A massive crowd — which some estimate at well over 2,000 riders — took part in the Naked Ride through downtown Portland on Saturday night (technically Sunday morning).

As we made our way from the Northwest Industrial Area to downtown (via Burnside), the immensity of the crowd became evident.

At one point, like a vast school of fish, we engulfed a TriMet bus. The number of riders was so great that the driver gave up any hope of forward progress, shut off the engine, and as I passed, he was standing in his opened door, smiling and chatting on his cell phone as reveling naked riders passed by urging him to join in.

As we rode onto NW 23rd, I was toward to rear of the pack. Wanting to get to the front, I cut over to 21st at about Raleigh. I pedaled as hard as I could from Raleigh to Burnside — about 15 blocks — and there were already riders coming down Burnside when I got there.

At one point, near the front of the mass, I pulled over to shoot some video and stood in the same spot for nearly 10 minutes while a continuous parade of bikers rolled by (and that was on a downhill!).

A sense of exuberance permeated the ride.

I haven’t heard any official counts, but the general consensus seems to put the tally at somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000. Last year, Portland had 800 riders and tied with London for the largest crowd in the world (no word yet on London’s tally this year).

Inexplicably awesome scenes abound: High fives from tourists as we passed, women in cars sticking their heads out and flashing us as we rolled by, club-goers posing for pictures with naked bikers, a naked jogger who ran with us, many exclamations from riders of, “I’m naked!”, and many exclamations from bystanders of, “I love Portland!”.

The night was full of celebration and bike love, but with such massive numbers, we also created a bit of havoc in downtown Portland. I heard several reports of unfortunate interactions between riders and people in cars.

Portlander Meghan Sinnott was on the ride for the first time. She was helping get riders through an intersection (Burnside and Broadway) by holding up cross-traffic, when a large white truck decided to not wait any longer. Sinnott wrote on the Shift email list that the truck, “started to run me over.”

The response from passing riders was swift. Jasun Wurster said the driver of the truck was being “way too aggressive” so he sacrificed his own bike (see photo at right) while trying to get Sinnott out of the way.

But even with those few snafus (the Portland Police trying to stop the ride too), the raucous ride was a spectacle beyond belief. The whooping yells of excitement, the ringing of hundreds and hundreds of bells, the flickering bike lights, and the overwhelmingly positive response from most bystanders. It’s a ride this city will never forget.

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84 Comments

BradJune 16, 2008 at 11:53 am

Did anyone get the truck\’s plate? What a jerk! He owes a bike, two apologies, and the people a bit o\’ jail time for vehicular assault.

Sweet. Congrats to the Naked Ride organizers and naked bikers. Quite a day for Portland cycling! Looked like about 7,000 people at the Mississippi Ave Cirque du Cycling for the Parade and Crit. I saw this bug in the Cirque du Cycling parade earlier in the day. Wonder if some other folks attended both?

Jonathan – Thanks for your Herculean efforts in covering this and many other events all weekend. You must have about a dozen clones – no matter where I was all weekend, you were there taking pictures and covering the stories.

I would like to give a big thanks to Gabe and the rest of the organizers and sponsors this year.

Please feel free to post here any thing that your really liked or that could have been done better at the party or on the ride. As your input is what keeps this event getting better each year.

Though I loved that bike… I love my friends way more. If anyone saw the incident on W Burnside and Broadway with the white truck please type up what you remember and send it to me so that I can provide it to the Police (jasunwurster[at]gmail[dot]com).

Again, Kick Ass job for all that organizedvolunteered and most of all attended this event!

There was a similar run in with a car when we were heading up MLK. A driver almost hit a bicyclist when trying to force themselves onto the road but was quickly cut off by several of us. They were then berated by not only a growing mass of bikers, but most of all by the people on the sidewalk watching us go by. Thanks for the pedestrian support Portland!

Wow. Just wow. I wish I was a little more sober so I could remember more of it, but it was still amazing. This year I helped convince some of my friends to join, once they understood that if you are surrounded by naked people, it\’s more comfortable to be naked yourself. Favorite part was the great dance party. Most thrilling part was riding naked over the Hawthorne Bridge grating. Slightly lame part was all the people who drove to the dance party and got their bikes out of their SUVs.

Hope this year there\’ll be a second ride like last year, for those who didn\’t get enough.

My buddy Jim & me barely made it in time coming over from da\’couve but the crowd was so huge it took ahile just to get going. I wore my boxers till we got to the top of that fist little winding climb but took them off after getting caught up in the nude mood. We just could not stop laughing and grinning like idiots!!!! It was our first naked ride and we kept asking each other why we hadn\’t done this before. I got flogged several times by a gal in black undies and loved it!!! We were even flashed by some gals in cars!!! Definately an even that is on our calender for years to come.

Coming back up Burnside I passed an older man with a big beard standing on the sidewalk. He was gazing down Burnside in awe at the sea of happy nakedness coming his way and I heard him very calmly remarking to himself, \”Marvelous\”

Unbelievable! Great event! Short lines for the porta-john, great bag check, short beer lines, loads of naked people. What a ride!

My favorite part was the grubby old guy on Burnside giving thumbs up and yelling with his pants around his ankles. I think I saw two groups of cyclists going home from the bars that just happened to see us and join in.

Definately need more beer next time (it ran out before everyone got back to the party).

This is the first year I decided not to try a count. A friend estimated over 3k.

I corked at SE Morison and Grand for a few min, we were pretty spread thin at the end. All but one motorists were happy and clapping even though they had been waiting a while. The one guy was pissed. When I shrugged at pointed at all the people, he flipped me off. Then I spun around to show him I had written \”Fuck Bikes\” on my back. Then he was smiling and clapping heartily.

So is this a world record then? Where is Guinness when you need them?

More thanks to the Merc, and PDOT, and New Belgium, and Infinity6, Viso and Shift for sponsoring it. Naked bikers look better with refreshing beverages.

I think the best answer to it will be to have more frequent naked rides… I heard murmurs about one in August. Even if there are only a few hundred it still is the most fun you ever have on a bike.

one of my fav moments was when we were making our way back up burnside….and just before we turned back onto nw 23rd, there was a pedestrian off to the right who had dropped his pants and kept yelling \”FREEEEEEEEEDOMMMMMM!!!\” over and over again. hahaha.

that and the other guy on NW 21st toward the beginning of the ride who stood in the middle of the road, high-fiving everyone and yelling, \”KEEP OUR CITY WEIRD!!!\”

Okay, this just might go down as The Most Fun Ever Had on a Bike (which says a lot, because I have fun on my bike every day). The sheer magnitude of the happy, light-hearted crowd blew my mind. I attended in 2006, and I’d estimate that this year’s turnout was at least 4x greater. Thank you to the organizers and sponsors; the beer was cheap, parking was plentiful, music at the after-party was good, the night as a whole was amazing. The level of diversity in this year’s crowd was great. Contrary to what some might expect, the crowd included people from all sectors of Portland’s bike community. There were mini bikers, tall bikes, messengers, racing jocks (revealed by spandex tan lines), commuters on cruisers, and yes, happy hula-hooping hippies. It was awe-inspiring.

Highlights: seeing friends and strangers in interesting “attire.” Couples seemed particularly creative. One certain Team BEER representative and his mate boasted some stylish his-and-her skivvies that read “Meat/I Heart Meat”. Then there was the fishnet-clad friend who leant a pair of transparent pink undies to her male fiancée. Also, there was Capt. Wheeley (or was it a local bike builder in disguise?) in his golden cape and Evil Kenievel-style helmet, popping wheelies on the sidewalks and medians, whose sidekick in opted for arm warmers and little else.

Another joyous spectacle of the night was when a dance-off circle formed at the after-party, and a very limber woman busted out a textbook example of “The Worm” better than any “Breakin’ 2” star. That concrete dance floor must have been chilly on the bod, but perhaps it was the warm spirit of the dancing crowd that made her smile big after the feat!

We had a great time at the ride as always. My few nits being that we found ourselves at the very front for a while and there seemed to be a total lack of ride leadership. We actually stopped for a minute downtown before somebody took off (the opposite way). That and my girlfriend was actually grabbed by a pedestrian. All in all we did have a blast, and did get one of our friends to try it. I don\’t think he stopped smiling the whole time! Thanks to those who did the organizing. BIG ups 😉

It was mind-blowingly awesome to participate in this. Happily, I didn\’t see anything but goodwill from spectators (though one drunk guy grabbed at my handlebars, which was stupid and dangerous, but not malicious). As for cops – I\’m not really one to speak up and defend them much, but I was actually very impressed with the helping hands they gave us. Maybe there were a few others out there who were less helpful, but I didn\’t seem them. I did, however, see many officers in front of cars to block traffic and keep us safe. One officer even let us turn left onto a major road when we had a red light and he had a green. So after the organizers and sponsors, I\’d like to thank the officers.

The World Naked Bike Ride was unbelievable. The sheer number of people was overwhelming. I was towards the front, and my favorite parts were (all the awesomely naked cyclists) the cyclists who ran into the ride, quickly disrobed and joined in, the supportive bystanders, the body paint, costumes, and knowing we were all there loving bikes.

I wish the ride had been more around downtown, and I wish the front had slowed waaaay down. I heard a rider crash on the Hawthorne grating but couldn\’t see you- I hope you\’re okay.

I was so honored to be a part of this years event. The dance party after the ride was off the hook.

For the most part, I feel that there was far less \”creepiness\” than in previous years. There were a couple guys I ran into that definitely seemed out of place, and were blatantly ogling. For the most part, this behavior can be corrected simply by lots of people approaching these fellas, being friendly, letting them know what the event is about, and expressing that there is no sexual tone toward our nudity here and that sort of thing is undesired. Basically, make it known that they are being watched, but are welcome if they are respectful.

I didnt attend,but congratulations. it sounds like y\’all did yourselfs proud!

I always understood the naked ride to be something akin to: \”hey, i have to endure indecent exposure to your poisonous choices, ie– your car. So you gotta endure a little exposure from ME.\”

WNBR is fun, and being part of a large community is empowering. BUT.. the howcome message seems to have been lost in the noise level. remember WNBRs take home message is Your car is more indecent than my ass! ride on.

#17 John, I had as similar experience, only I was looking for coverage on the local TV news station web sites. \”Nada\” pretty much sums it up. Apparently 1000+ happy naked people on bikes taking over the city doesn\’t make it on their radar.

Does this mean we can\’t trust local TV news to report the really interesting stuff? (Disillusionment!)

However, there is on those sites enough of the usual cavalcade of other people\’s misery – \”Body recovered near Sauvie Island,\” \”Farm workers injured in roll over accident,\” \”Two men arrested following a commercial truck accident,\” \”Multiple stabbings,\” \”Drunk driver hits highway worker on flatbed\” – to remind me why I avoid watching local TV news in the first place.

I can only conclude that lack of local coverage means we did something right, especially considering how much of that bad news is car-related.

Now, if that white truck had run over its intended victim, we might have seen some coverage… So yeah, no news really is good news!

#35: \”when was the last time you rode a …naked biker?\”. Great quote – love it!!

I see lots of things giving cyclists a bad name, but naked bikers aren\’t one of them. Looks like you guys had a blast! I heard the news teaser and kept watching but was shocked to see the local station cover Boulder! And they pitched it as a \”protest against high gas prices\”… WTF??

Word up to the person leading the ride though – you were riding WAY too fast, and the ride spread out way too much trying to keep up with you. Some of my coworkers who are not superfast fulltime bicyclists had a hard time keeping pace.

Did you fall on my bike? Did any one see a boy with a hat on and bleached blond hair with shorter brown on the sides, on a tall gray or black bike fall on my bike, as the naked ride was first starting to head up the hill? If you know who this person is, or if this is you, please help me pay for my back TIRE that I had to replace. Yeah. $140. When I first tried to move my bike after the landing, it wouldn\’t budge. It took 4 of us to fix it so that it was jenky enough to ride for the rest of the time. Which, rest assured was RAD. It would be very nice and NOBLE of you to help pay or, better yet, foot the bill. It would not have been so bad if you had asked if I or my bike were ok instead of taking off (considering my hand was in between the frames when you fell). Hit and run for real! Ouch. I know you probably dont want to represent that dude. Right?? If you know who this is or have any ideas please help me get to the bottom of this. Thank you all*

Kronda #47: You must have missed the aforementioned after party & dance-off circle, as that is one answer to your question about \”brown people\” (btw, I cringe regarding your terminology there). You also might not have seen the extremely kind, safe, courteous bus driver on NW 23rd, who parked his bus and laughed as we all passed, cheering us on along with his crew of mesmerized passengers. Wonderful! Yes–Portland\’s ethnic diversity level is pale in comparison with some other cities (I used to live in NYC and am hyper-aware of this fact), but you must see and celebrate diversity in its many forms. I think many here will agree that the WNBR had a more diverse crowd than ever this year, and that it was absolutely beautiful.

Actually, Kronda – yes. Mike Khadabux. Your point stands, though, and I really hope that we can all continue to embrace and encourage more diversity at all bike events. Too many groups are sadly under-represented and I hope that\’ll change. (sooner rather than later)

This year\’s ride was totally awesome – I can\’t wait to do it again next year!

I saw a number of people of various ethnicities and nationalities, mostly friends of mine and acquaintences. Many nationalities are under-represented in relation to their share of the greater Portland population, and I\’d like to see that change. Working and riding with Exchange Cycle Tours has been great because we actively seek out other cultures and communities, and I hope that we as individuals and groups of cyclists can encourage more diversity in Portland cycling.

I totally love the Naked Ride – what a great, body-positive experience! Thanks, Gabe, Carl, and everyone else for making the dance party venue happen and for coordinating everything around the ride. Bravo!

Someone in the know should update the WNBR wiki (http://nakedwiki.org/index.php?title=Portland) with the estimated head count, links, and media. This was a good year: 1000 in the London ride, 1800 in the Chicago ride (3x 2007!), and now >2600 in Portland!

[…] my pants) and rode my bike down to the Dyke march and then pedaled over to participate in my first Naked Ride. I heard that Portland had about 2600 riders, which means we might have topped out with the biggest […]

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JJune 17, 2008 at 9:46 am

My favorites were the roller skate guy (who looked like he was keeping a good 18mph pace) and the naked skateboarder who was not only skating but actually pulling tricks.

Someone above asked if she was the only one who remembered it as a white SUV, not a white truck. I remember it as an SUV as well.

That ride was amazing!!! The energy from the cyclists and the crowds was beyond invigorating. I never realized that crowds of nakedness could elicit such happiness from cylists and onlookers alike. Too bad we can\’t quantify positive energy. I am sure the results would lead to many more naked events!

to the gal who went down on the max lines on 23rd… hope you are okay. several folks had already stopped so i kept going. to the black and white cab going south on 23rd.. next time you swerve into my lane several times in a menacing fashon i\’ll cleat your effing door. my buddy yelled at me \”don\’t do it!\” so you got away with it this time. i believe it was a radio cab, and around 1:20 or so. anybody else see this (he was oncoming traffic) or get the cab # ????

HOLY CRAP!! What an amazing night! I wish the dj\’s from when we came back from the ride had kept playing!! Best moment – dance circle, worst moment – having to stop dancing! What an awesome night. I just wish I hadn\’t lost my socks.

WOW!!! This was my first naked ride. I\’m a pretty conservative person and all my friends thought I was nuts, but loved it and congratulated me! Thanks to the folks who organized this, to Phillip the painter, and all the friendly people I met. Anyone know a good site for pics covering the event? Thanks & C-ya next year!!

[…] out, there WERE thousands of people cheering at midnight. And they were all NAKED. And riding […]

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TomJune 18, 2008 at 8:18 am

I didn\’t make the party, but caught the ride just after midnight at 24th & Vaughn–stripped down right on the street corner. What an experience, seeing a river of flashing taillights and bare skin, all the way down the Burnside hill and out of sight–and I think there were more riders behind me than in front. I did get seriously wind-chilled crossing the bridges, and even pumping back up Burnside didn\’t warm me up. Still, I wouldn\’t have missed it. Did someone say \”another ride in August\”? Might be warmer.

Despite having to duck out early due to freezing my butt off, it was a spectacularly good time. I did however see FOUR crashes between the kickoff and the first turn from Broadway and 3rd, most due to the riders being drunk as hell. It also seemed like lots of folks didn\’t have a good handle on how to ride slow, or how to ride in a dense pack. Most of the crashers took someone else down with them, ouch! I recommend boning up beforehand with some slow races in the park. Great job, butt-naked Portland!

First naked ride. First group ride in Portland altogether. Had a blast. I was actually very impressed by the good organization of it all. Surprised at the cheap beer too. Expected and was honestly willing to pay a lot more to support the event.

Among other things people listed, I was extremely proud of everyone (that I saw anyway). Once a cop with lights on had to cross the ride\’s path, and everyone stopped to let him cross. Same with a firetruck (on a downhill even). I expeted a lot more \’mob mentality.\’ Very fun and proud to be part of it.

so my buddy got the whole thing from the first trip down burnside when the group was at it\’s most. jonathan i can get the video if someone wants to do a count he has it from the first rider to the last.

I wonder how many people know that the \”evil white truck\” was only attempting to get home during a lull in the bike traffic when a girl deliberatley stopped right in front of them creating a lengthy scene that could have easily been avoided…. and for those asking about the release of this supposed video of the incident, I\’ll tell you why it won\’t be released. About a dozen bicyclists assaulted the vehicle for trying to inch its way across the road leading unfortunatley to the breaking of one bicycle. All of this could have been avoided if the truck were just allowed to pass slowly, which was the intention. Mob mentality is no way to lead a naked bicycle race. Indeed, perhaps the truck should have turned around and tried to find another passage through the city, or the riders could have realized that since this was an unsanctioned ride, anything could happen and some cars would eventually try to make their way across some of these intersections. No bicycles nor vehicles should have been harmed in this incident, but hey maybe next year we can all learn to get along. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! \”I\”M NAKED!!!!\”

theres no excusing a car trying to force its way through a parade of thousands of people. There were no lulls in the parade anywhere near big enough, or safe enough for a car to get through, especially at the point in the ride when this happen.

It is incredibly dangerous for a car to try and force their way through a bicycle parade, especially one that the entire point is about showing how vurnerable bikes are to traffic. When somone does something dangerous that endangers the lives of your friends, you stop them.

It was an incredibly dangerous act for them to drive through, and for what? Impatience. At near 1am in the morning. There was no medical emergency. Take a couple minutes out of your life and witness something you\’ve never see before. And if you dont wanna do that, find another route, its not that tough and you will only lose 20 minutes of your precious time. Which is alot better then having someone else lose their life.